Asymmetric voltage multiplying circuit coupled to sliding electrodes for biomass fractionation with high-voltage and high current pulsed electric fields

Pulsed electric field (PEF) is an emerging technology for biomass processing and fractionation by electroporation of cell membrane. Nevertheless, PEF technology and devices require tailoring and adaptation for each specific type of biomass. Such an optimization requires convenient and adaptable laboratory systems, which will enable both electrical and mechanical parameters determination before process upscaling. In this work, we report on the design and development of a laboratory PEF system that allows applying for up to 4kV, 1kA pulses with 1–100μs and total power dissipation of 20W and up to 25kg of mechanical load. The design of an asymmetric voltage multiplying circuit allows for controlling pulse parameters for each pulse in series. Such an approach enables precise adaptation of PEF to the changing conductivity of the biomass, minimizing the total invested energy in the process. The system was tested on highly conductive marine macroalgae Ulva sp, a promising but challenging feedstock for the biorefinery. This work provides a design of an adaptable PEF device, important for biomass processing with electroporation.